Meet Claire Howe

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claire Howe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Claire , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

When I was in my early 20’s, I had a cubicle job I absolutely hated. One day, a friend and I went to lunch at a nearby Subway, and as I stood staring at the lunchmeat, neatly arranged behind plexiglass, I suddenly realized that I had absolutely no idea how (or from WHOM) it had gotten there. I went home that night and Googled “where does meat come from?” The next few moments fundamentally changed the course of my life. I sobbed as I watched video after video from inside factory farms and slaughterhouses, utterly horrified and stunned that this was the reality I had somehow avoided, or perhaps intentionally been shielded from, for so long. The next week I attended my first animal rights protest. Three months later, I had gone completely Vegan.

My advocacy journey took me to many unexpected places, including law school, a subsequent Animal Law LL.M. program in Portland, Oregon, and then a job as a Program Manager for a humane education organization. Through my work as a teacher, I started facilitating a few high school animal rights clubs in Portland, and before long realized that youth were terribly underrepresented in the mainstream animal rights movement. So in 2016, I set out to start a nonprofit focused on youth activism and leadership, what ultimately became “The Raven Corps”.

The Raven Corps has changed and evolved dramatically over the years, influenced by countless youth activists and adult allies, but two people absolutely cannot go without recognition: our phenomenally talented and passionate Youth Director, Cami Hoffman, and my relentlessly supportive husband, Jesse Zamora, who has a background in food and manufacturing (I’ll address why this is important in just a sec!)

Alongside “the Ravens”, we built a powerhouse total liberation organization, having evolved into a philosophy of Veganism that aims to end all oppressive systems and liberate all animals, humans and our natural world very much included. But not everyone appreciated this approach. At the start of 2024, we lost our primary donor for speaking up on behalf of Gaza. This was a soul-crushing blow, but not totally unexpected. We had long been frustrated by the mainstream movement’s single-issue approach to Vegan advocacy and even more so by the fact that a small handful of ultra-wealthy donors were the ones behind it.

So, armed with nothing but frustration and hope, Jesse and I founded “Cool Kids Snack Cakes” with the goal of supporting fellow nonprofit organizations. I’ve always loved snack cakes. I grew up on Little Debbie, Dolly Madison, and Hostess. But when I went Vegan, I was devastated (truly!) that a Vegan snack cake line did not exist. And I’m very proud to say we’re the first to start one.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At The Raven Corps, we recently launched “Vegans Against Fascism”, a decentralized network of total liberationists. Through local chapters that employ a variety of tactics including mutual aid, general strike organizing, and political organizing, we aim to incorporate the rights of animals into a larger social justice framework.

And at Cool Kids Snacks Cakes, we’re raising funds for humanitarian aid in Palestine through our limited edition Counter Crispy, “Sprinkle Love on 🇵🇸”. All proceeds from this delicious Crispy (tastes like birthday cake) go to Plant the Land, a small Vegan mutual aid group in Gaza.

Beyond being mission-based, one of the things we love most about our brand is that it’s a true testament to our love for the 1980’s. As 80’s babies and people who long for a return to simpler times, we really enjoy bringing nostalgic treats to people with a cruelty-free twist.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Above all else, I’d say empathy was the most impactful part of my journey. As I became more entrenched in animal right activism, I realized my circle of compassion had the ability to expand endlessly. And I’m a much better person for it. Adaptability has also been hugely important. Things have changed dramatically for me both personally and professionally over the last ten years, and I’ve really learned to roll with the punches, let things go, and accept that change is the only constant. On the flip side of that, I don’t think I could have made it this far without embracing my creative side. With each new challenge, I have an opportunity to think outside the box.

It may sound trite, but for anyone who’s early on in their journey, my best advice is to listen to your instincts and lead with your heart. Following best practices is great, but I believe that what ultimately helps us succeed is authenticity. Be yourself. TRUST yourself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Oh my gosh, yes – we’re always looking for ways to join forces! On the nonprofit side, we love to collaborate with small groups and grassroots organizations who also take a total liberation approach to their advocacy. On the business side, we jump at the opportunity to work with retro brands, mission-based businesses, and of course anyone who’s doing Vegan stuff! If that’s you, please shoot us an email at [email protected]!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coolkidssnackcakes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolkidssnackcakes/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560990597429